Headwall Photonics, a leading supplier of high performance spectral imaging solutions, has completed the design, manufacture, and test of the space-qualified hyperspectral sensor payload for NT Space, a leading technology supplier and integrator of satellites and spacecraft and a subsidiary of NEC and Toshiba. The Headwall sensor systems have been delivered to NT Space for integration onto one of the world's foremost remote sensing satellite missions.
With this hyperspectral space platform, Headwall has introduced a new class of hyperspectral imaging sensors specifically designed for small satellite payloads that offer the industry's highest optical efficiency and widest field of view. The Hyperspec® Space sensors offer government programs and commercial satellite providers the ability to cost-effectively deliver new data services and imagery with a very small, affordable sensor payload that covers the VNIR (380-1000nm) and SWIR (950-2500nm) spectral regions.
With many years as an instrument supplier to NASA, Headwall was selected by NT Space to manufacture spectral imaging instrumentation in support of the scientific and remote sensing applications of the Japanese satellite mission. Japan's satellite will offer the world's first commercial hyperspectral data service products. Hyperspectral imagery is a critical technology in that it offers the remote sensing community the ability to detect not only the presence of objects but also identify, characterize, and quantify objects within the field of view of the satellite.
Headwall has very unique engineering capabilities which are well-suited for critical satellite and airborne applications. Headwall was selected because of its proven hyperspectral technology designs that offer a very tall image slit without introducing image distortions. This allows researchers to utilize a very wide field of view on the ground with exceptional spectral and spatial resolution--critical performance attributes for any satellite deployment.
"Headwall is very proud of its strong partnership with NT Space and the high level of technical collaboration generated throughout this project," said David Bannon, Headwall's Chief Executive Officer. "NT Space is a leading provider of space technologies and integrated solution platforms and we look forward to continued efforts on future projects."
Providing industry-leading spectral and spatial resolution, Headwall's patented Hyperspec® platform offers imaging sensors optimized for the following spectral regions:
- Visible 380 to 780 nanometers
- Visible - Near Infrared 380 to 1000 nanometers
- Extended VNIR 600 to 1700 nanometers
- Near Infrared 900 to 1700 nanometers
- Short Wave Infrared 950 to 2500 nanometers
About NEC's Space Systems
NEC is a pioneer of Japan's space exploration program. It has been engaged in development of more than 60 satellites since Japan's first satellite "Ohsumi" launched in 1970. NEC's recent achievement includes development and production of a control system and robotic arm deployed in the Japanese Experimental Module "KIBO" of the International Space Station as well as system integration of HAYABUSA.
About NEC Corporation
NEC Corporation is one of the world's leading providers of Internet, broadband network and enterprise business solutions dedicated to meeting the specialized needs of a diversified global base of customers. NEC delivers tailored solutions in the key fields of computer, networking and electron devices, by integrating its technical strengths in IT and Networks, and by providing advanced semiconductor solutions through NEC Electronics Corporation. The NEC Group employs more than 140,000 people worldwide. For additional information, please visit the NEC Web site at: http://www.nec.com.
